Dainese Set Gloves
DAINESE SET GLOVES
CW EVALUATION
Digit defense
PROTECTING YOUR HANDS and their complex collection of bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons and skin is serious business, which makes choosing a pair of motorcycle gloves an important decision.
The Dainese Set gloves tested here are produced in Korea and distributed by, among others, Lockhart-Phillips, U.S.A. (991 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673; 714/498-9492). The Sets are manufactured from .8mm cowhide and feature pre-curved fingers, internal seams and an elasticizcd wrist with a velcro closure. Closed-cell foam and double layers of leather protect the back of the hand and the foreand index fingers. The same treat-ment, minus the foam, is given to the area between the thumb and forefinger, and the lower portion of the palm. Kevlar thread is used extensively in the studless palm, with nylon thread at all other junctures.
Our black/purple/teal samples-the gloves are also available in white/red/black, white/blue/pink and blue/ white/red, in sizes S-XL-provided a snug, comfortable fit, even after five months of near-daily use. The leather remains soft and pliant, the internal seams are not intrusive, and for all but the beefiest of jacket cuffs, the 2*/2-inch gauntlets are plenty long.
We haven't fallen while wearing the Sets, so we can’t honestly judge their protective qualities. But if Dainese’s attention to detail and impressive workmanship are any indication, the Sets are well worth their $100 asking price, which makes these smart-looking gloves more than just a fashion statement. E3
